Stuarts: Venues and Resources

Fire and Plague

A school residential trip focusing on the Stuarts immerses students in a century of radical transformation, from the explosive tensions of the Gunpowder Plot to the devastating Great Fire of London and the dawn of the Scientific Revolution.

The South Coast and the Isle of Wight offer unique insights into this compelling era. Beyond the dramatic imprisonment of Charles I, this period saw maritime expansion, intense naval conflicts like the Anglo-Dutch Wars, and a society grappling with plague. By exploring these coastal historic sites, pupils step outside the classroom to witness a period defined by both immense social hardship and profound intellectual growth.

• Plots and Politics: Students investigate the fierce religious and political turmoil of the 17th century, exploring the motivations behind the Gunpowder Plot and the shifting, volatile power dynamics between the monarchy and Parliament.
• Plague and Fire: Interactive historical workshops help pupils examine the catastrophic events of the 1660s, understanding the terrifying public health crisis of the Great Plague and how the Great Fire of London fundamentally reshaped urban living and architecture.
• The Scientific Revolution: Children discover the birth of modern science and navigation, exploring how 17th-century thinkers began to question the natural world, leading to groundbreaking advancements in astronomy, physics, and maritime exploration.

Browse our curated selection of venues and educational activities below to build the perfect Stuart history itinerary for your class.